Alexus Stroud and Brionna Johnson combined for 26 points to lead the Smyrna Lady Eagles to a 54-38 victory over the visiting Sussex Central Golden Knights Friday night. The Eagles raised their record to 2-0 on the young season after posting a 75-50 win over Cape Henlopen last Tuesday night.

The Eagles displayed a disciplined, balanced attack against a very young and quick Golden Knights' squad.

Overall, six different Smyrna players scored at least five points during the contest.

"We came out a bit slow, but we spoke at halftime, made some adjustments and played much better in the second half," said Smyrna coach Rachel Woodall.

Smyrna got off to a good start and behind the inside scoring of Johnson, Kamerra Matthews, Taylor D. Price and Shi'Erra Hilliard build an 11-8 lead after the first quarter. Sussex Central was led on court by the very quick sophomore Jasmine Hudson, who had several fast break layup baskets during the evening. Hudson record nine

points in the first half and le all scorers for the game with 17 points.

The Eagles continued their balanced attack, and increased their lead to 20-15 at the half.

Sussex Central handled the ball well in the third quarter, and matched their hosts with 11 points each in the third quarter, which set up an exciting and fast-paced final period.

The Knights got two quick baskets to start the fourth to draw to within two at 31-29, but the Eagles turned up the tempo and took over the game from that point.

With about three minutes remaining, Matthews and Alyson Davis hit back-to-back threes, and that was the contest. The Eagles cemented the victory by hitting eight of ten free throws as Central attempted to get back in the game and save the clock.

Stroud led the eagles with 14, Johnson had twelve and Taylor D. Price and Kamerra Matthews each had eight points.

"We are starting to show some nice improvement on the court and we are beginning to work well as a team," said Woodall.

The Golden Knights record is now 0-2 and they will host Milford Thursday evening at 6 p.m. In addition to Hudson's 17 points, Taylor Pritchett had nine, Jada Smack had five, Tatyana Jenkins added four and Khadija Mackey tossed in three points.

The Eagles next game will be Tuesday night at home against Seaford. Tip off is set for 7:15 p.m. On Friday the team travels to Caesar Rodney.